Major Events of April 1900: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from April 1900 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of April 1900: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 02 Apr 1900 Foraker Act Grants Limited Self-Rule to Puerto Rico: The Foraker Act, also known as the Organic Act of 1900, was enacted on April 2, 1900, granting limited self-rule to Puerto Rico, which had been acquired by the United States following the Spanish-American War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Apr 1900 Attempted assassination of Prince of Wales in Brussels: On April 5, 1900, Jean-Baptiste Sipido, a 15-year-old Belgian anarchist, attempted to assassinate the Prince of Wales at Brussels-North railway station. As the royal train departed, Sipido fired two shots through the window of the Prince's carriage, both of which missed. He was quickly apprehended and later acquitted due to his age, leading to tensions between Britain and Belgium. source: theguardian.com
- 08 Apr 1900 Seventeenth Amendment ratified: direct election of senators: On April 8, 1900, the Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, establishing the direct election of U.S. senators by the people, rather than by state legislatures. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Apr 1900 US Navy purchases first submarine: On April 11, 1900, the U.S. Navy acquired its first submarine, the USS Holland, designed by John Philip Holland. This vessel marked a significant advancement in naval technology, combining electric motors for submerged travel and gasoline engines for surface propulsion. The purchase laid the foundation for the modern U.S. submarine fleet. source: loc.gov
- 12 Apr 1900 Foraker Act establishes Puerto Rico's governance: On April 12, 1900, the Foraker Act was enacted, establishing a civilian government in Puerto Rico. This legislation provided for an executive branch led by a governor and a bicameral legislature, marking a significant shift in the island's political structure following its acquisition by the United States. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Apr 1900 Paris World Exhibition opens: The Exposition Universelle, also known as the Paris World Exhibition, opened on April 14, 1900. This world's fair celebrated the achievements of the past century and showcased innovations in art, technology, and culture, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 Apr 1900 Leaders of Tutuila and Aunu'u Sign Deed of Cession to the United States: On April 17, 1900, the chiefs of Tutuila and Aunu'u islands signed a treaty granting the United States full powers and authority to govern the islands, marking the formal cession of these territories. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Apr 1900 Battle of Kousséri: French Colonial Conquest in Chad: On April 22, 1900, French forces defeated Rabih az-Zubayr's army at the Battle of Kousséri in present-day northern Cameroon, leading to French control over Chad. Both commanders, Major Amédée-François Lamy and Rabih az-Zubayr, were killed in the battle. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Apr 1900 Birth of Walter Lantz, pioneering animator: Walter Lantz, an influential American animator and producer, was born on April 27, 1900. He is best known for creating the character Woody Woodpecker and for his work in the animation industry during the early to mid-20th century. source: britannica.com
- 29 Apr 1900 Tragic bridge collapse at Paris World Exposition: On April 29, 1900, a bridge collapse occurred during the Paris World Exposition, resulting in numerous casualties. This incident highlighted safety concerns at large public events and led to changes in regulations. source: britannica.com
- 30 Apr 1900 United States annexes Hawaii: On April 30, 1900, the United States officially annexed Hawaii, marking a significant moment in U.S. territorial expansion. This event followed the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. source: britannica.com